Local Events

Shipley Glen Tramway

The Shipley Glen Tramway serves as a virtual time machine.

Opened in 1895, Britain’s oldest working funicular offers a steep ride up to the sprawling site of long gone fairgrounds. An Edwardian sweet shop at the top station serves as a nod to that era.

But what about before that? Evidence that the site has been inhabited for thousands of years lies in its Bronze Age cup-and-ring marks. Take a scenic stroll across expansive moors to discover dozens of the carved rocks, largely found near Dobrudden Farm. Theories on how they were used by ancient inhabitants range from religious ceremonies to tools for shaping stone axes.

To know for sure, you’ll need to find an actual time machine.

The Shipley Glen Tramway is a 15 minute drive from the hotel.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a 5-mile-long heritage railway line in West Yorkshire, with services running from Keighley to Oxenhope.

British Railways operated the last scheduled passenger train in 1961, but reopened in 1968 as a heritage railway. It is now operated by over 500 volunteers and 10 members of staff.

The trains carry over 100,000 passengers each year, making it a major attraction in the Bradford area.

Trains run every weekend, bank holidays and school holidays and other special dates. Just 20 minutes’ drive from Mercure Bradford, Bankfield Hotel, making it the perfect activity to enjoy with the whole family whilst you stay.

East Riddlesden Hall

East Riddlesden Hall is an impressive historic manor. It acted as Heathcliff’s home in the 1992 and 2009 film and TV adaptations of Wuthering Heights, and the interior is a fantasyland of massive stone fireplaces and period embroidery.

But what about its residents?

The 17th-century estate once housed the nefarious Murgatroyd family. Legend claims that the River Aire changed its course to flow away from the shamefully ill-behaved clan. Then there are the ghosts. The Grey Lady has a namesake bedroom, where legend says she was murdered for infidelity. The Blue Lady is said to have drowned in the pond. In addition, keep an eye out for the spirits of the family horses, dogs and cats.

East Riddlesden Hall is located on Bradford Road and is just ten minutes by car from the hotel.

Mainline Border Collie Centre

Spend a day on Mainline Border Collie Centre’s scenic farm to discover the time-honoured Yorkshire art of sheepdog handling.

Admittedly, the word ‘Yorkshire’ usually conjures up images of fluffy-haired terriers. But why should they get all of the attention? Sure, they’re adorable, but collies are equally lovable in addition to having a noble herding heritage.

Partnered with a sheepdog and under the guidance of a working shepherd, venture out onto the moors. There in the picturesque countryside, you’ll learn what it takes to master a flock of disorderly (and at times defiantly disobedient) sheep – just like a true local.

The Mainline Border Collie Centre is just a ten minute drive from the hotel. 

Salts Mill

Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding preserved example of a mid 19th century industrial town and also home to Salts Mill – art, dining and shopping in one large historic building.

Expect free parking, free entry and lots of shopping opportunities. Browse the independent retailers or call in for a coffee and cake, or a meal in Salts Diner. Enjoy a very large collection of artwork by David Hockney in the Hockney 1853 Gallery, be inspired by the very best in independent retail and enjoy our bustling restaurants and cafes.

Check out the 3rd Floor Gallery (pictured) for ‘The Arrival of Spring‘ by David Hockney. These original works were drawn by David on his iPad in 2011, and printed at an incredible scale.